U.S. patent application number 13/850029 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-29 for system and method for hold and re-ring.
This patent application is currently assigned to CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC. Invention is credited to David Emerson, David E. Rondeau.
Application Number | 20130225143 13/850029 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40788646 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130225143 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Emerson; David ; et
al. |
August 29, 2013 |
System and Method for Hold and Re-Ring
Abstract
A system and method for transferring calls. A voice
communication is received. The voice communication is placed on
hold in response to receiving user input. Multiple phones are rung
simultaneously in response to receiving the user input. The voice
communication is connected to one of the multiple phones in
response to a user answering the voice communication on one of the
multiple phones.
Inventors: |
Emerson; David; (Overland
Park, KS) ; Rondeau; David E.; (Olathe, KS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CenturyLink Intellectual Property
LLC
Denver
CO
|
Family ID: |
40788646 |
Appl. No.: |
13/850029 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12004804 |
Dec 20, 2007 |
8428242 |
|
|
13850029 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/417 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 3/54 20130101; H04M
2207/20 20130101; H04M 3/465 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/417 |
International
Class: |
H04M 3/46 20060101
H04M003/46 |
Claims
1. A method for transferring calls, the method comprising:
receiving one or more access lists; receiving one or more command
codes, wherein one command code is associated with each access
list; receiving a voice communication; placing the voice
communication on hold in response to user input of a selected
command code; and ringing a plurality of phones associated with the
access list, associated with the selected command code.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more command
codes comprise distinct key sequences.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of phones
comprise phone numbers associated with voice communication devices
or voice communication services.
4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the one or more of
access lists are pre-set by the user.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the voice communication
is placed on hold with a VoIP device.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
plurality of phones is a VoIP telephone.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ringing further
comprises delaying a time period before ringing the plurality of
phones, wherein the timer period is established by the user.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ringing further
comprises: ringing the plurality of phones a number of times;
canceling the ringing once the phones ring the number of times to
prevent an answering service from connecting to the voice
communication; and re-ringing the plurality of phones in response
to canceling the ringing.
9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising
automatically sending a message to one or more recipients in
response to the holding.
10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising playing a
pre-programmed message to a calling party in response to the
holding.
11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the message indicates
to the one or more recipients whether to answer or not answer at
least one of the plurality of phones.
12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the message is an
email or text message, and wherein the message indicates the voice
communication is being transferred to at least one of the plurality
of phones.
13. A communication system, the system comprising: a switch
configured to receive a voice communication, wherein the switch
further includes: a transfer unit configured to; receive one or
more access lists and one or more command codes wherein one command
code is associated with each access list; receive a voice
communication; place the voice communication on hold in response to
user input of a selected command code; and ring a plurality of
phones associated with the access list associated with the selected
command code.
14. The communication system according to claim 13, further
comprising a user interface for receiving the access lists and
command codes from the user.
15. The communication system according to claim 13, wherein the
transfer unit rings the plurality of phones a number of times,
cancels the ringing once the phones ring the number of times for
preventing a answering service from connecting to the voice
communication, and re-rings the plurality of phones in response to
canceling the ringing.
16. The communication system according to claim 13, wherein the
voice communication is placed on hold in response to user input of
a selected command code with a VoIP device.
17. A call transfer system comprising: a processor for executing a
set of instructions; and a memory for storing the set of
instructions, wherein the set of instructions are configured to
receive one or more access lists and one or more command codes
wherein one command code is associated with each access list;
receive a voice communication, place the voice communication on
hold in response to user input of a selected command code; and ring
a plurality of phones associated with the access list associated
with the selected command code.
18. The call transfer system according to claim 17, wherein the
plurality of phones are rang one at a time for a specified number
of rings in an order specified by the user to prevent an answering
system from connection to the voice communication.
19. The call transfer system according to claim 17, wherein the set
of instructions ring the plurality of phones a number of times,
cancels the ringing once the phones ring the number of times for
preventing an answering service from connecting to the voice
communication, and re-rings the plurality of phones in response to
the canceling the ringing.
20. The call transfer system according to claim 17, wherein the
user input to place the voice communication on hold is provided
with a VoIP device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The use and development of communications has grown nearly
exponentially in recent years. The growth is fueled by larger
networks with more reliable protocols and better communications
hardware available to service providers and consumers. Users have
similarly grown to expect better communications from home, work,
and on the go. In many cases, users continue or carry on
conversations across multiple devices.
[0002] In some cases, a user may utilize a call transfer feature to
transfer a phone call to another telephone. Many of these systems
and features may transfer a phone call to only a single specified
number. For example, the user may be required to enter a password
and a phone number to transfer the call. The requirements of such
call forwarding systems necessitate more time and effort to
transfer the call than would be preferred by most users. As a
result, many callers may hang up or be disconnected from a user
during a conversation. A simplified form of communication across
telephones may be beneficial to many users.
SUMMARY
[0003] One embodiment includes a system and method for transferring
calls. A voice communication may be received. The voice
communication may be placed on hold in response to receiving user
input. Multiple phones may be rung simultaneously in response to
receiving the user input. The voice communication may be connected
to one of the multiple phones in response to a user answering the
voice communication on one of the multiple phones.
[0004] Another embodiment includes a communication system. The
communication system may include a switch configured to receive a
voice communication. The switch may include a transfer unit
configured to place the voice communication on hold in response to
receiving a transfer command, ring a plurality of phones
simultaneously in response to receiving the transfer command, and
connect the voice communication to one of the plurality of phones
in response to a user answering the voice communication on the one
of the plurality of phones.
[0005] Yet another embodiment includes a call transfer system. The
system may include a processor for executing a set of instructions
and a memory for storing the set of instructions. The set of
instructions may be configured to receive a voice communication,
place the voice communication on hold in response to receiving user
input, ring a plurality of phones simultaneously in response to
receiving the user input, and connect the voice communication to
one of the plurality of phones in response to a user answering the
voice communication on the one of the plurality of phones.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are
described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing
figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and
wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a communications
system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of a wireless
management system in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows examples of communications devices in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a communications management
system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for establishing an
access list in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for transferring calls in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and
[0013] FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of a graphical user
interface in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Illustrative embodiments provide a system and method for
transferring voice communications. In one embodiment, a user may
receive a voice communication on a first device. The voice
communication may be any form of verbal communications and is
referred to as a phone call or call for purposes of describing the
illustrative embodiments. The phone call may be received on a first
telephonic device, herein referred to as a telephone or phone. At
some point during the phone call, the user may desire to change
locations or otherwise transfer the phone call to a different
telephone. The user may provide user input by dialing a single key
sequence or providing other input to temporarily place the call on
hold. A number of other telephones may then ring simultaneously
until one of the telephones is answered by the user. The user is
not required to specify the phone to which the phone call is
transferred.
[0015] The user may also send text or email messages when the call
is placed on hold to ring other telephones. The message may
indicate the call transfer feature is being utilized and provide
instructions or information regarding whether or not to answer the
phone, where the phone call is transferred from and to, and whom
performed the call transfer. The call transfer feature may be
configured to only ring the telephones a specified number of times
before canceling the ringing, and re-ringing of the telephones to
prevent an answering machine, or other voicemail feature or service
from connecting to the call.
[0016] The illustrative embodiments may allow a user to easily
transfer calls between a wireless and wire line connection. Call
transfers may be especially useful because of limited wireless
minutes, privacy, available services, and quality of service
concerns. As a result, a user may be able to hold a call and then
ring a number of telephones using a single command to transfer the
call without ending the call.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a communications
system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The
communication system 100 of FIG. 1 includes various elements used
for wireless and wired communication. The communications system 100
includes a mobile switching center 102, a local exchange 104,
voicemail systems 106 and 108, a database 110, wireless devices 112
and 114, a transmission tower 116, a wired network 118, a home 120,
home telephones 122 and 124, and a client 126. In one embodiment,
the different elements and components of the communications system
100 communicate using wireless communications including satellite
connections or hardwired connections, such as fiber optics, T1,
cable, DSL, high-speed trunks, and telephone lines.
[0018] The wireless devices 112 and 114 may communicate with the
transmission tower 116 using communications protocols, such as time
division multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access
(CDMA), global systems for mobile (GSM) communications, personal
communications systems (PCS), WLAN, WiMAX, or other frequently-used
cellular and data communications protocols and standards. The
wireless devices 112 and 114 may include cellular phones,
Blackberry.RTM., personal digital assistants (PDA), laptops,
evolution data optimized (EDO) cards, multi-mode devices, and other
wireless communication devices and elements.
[0019] Communications within the communications system 100 may
occur on any number of networks which may include wireless
networks, data or packet networks, private networks,
publicly-switched telephone networks (PSTN), and the wired network
118. The networks of the communications system 100 may represent a
single communication service provider or multiple communications
services providers. The features of the embodiments may be
implemented by one or more elements of the communications system
100 independently or as a networked implementation.
[0020] In one embodiment, the mobile switching center (MSC) 102,
voicemail system 106, and transmission tower 116 are part of a
wireless network that is operated by a wireless service provider.
For example, the control signals and operational features may be
performed by the MSC 102 and the wireless signals may be broadcast
from the transmission tower 116 to the wireless devices 112 and
114. The wireless network may include any number of systems,
towers, servers, and other network and communications devices for
implementing the features and performing the methods herein
described.
[0021] The MSC 102 may be a switch used for wireless call control
and processing. The MSC 102 may also serve as a point of access to
the local exchange 104. The MSC 102 is a telephone exchange that
provides circuit-switched calling and mobility management and may
also provide GSM or PCS services to the wireless devices 112 and
114 located within the area the MSC 102 serves. The MSC 102 may
include one or more home locator record (HLR) and virtual locator
record (VLR) that may be used to implement different features of
the illustrative embodiments. The voicemail system 106 may be an
integrated part of the MSC 102 or alternatively may be an
externally connected device.
[0022] In one embodiment, the voicemail system 106 may include an
integrated database for storing customer and usage information and
data. In another embodiment, the voicemail system 106, a server, or
other intelligent network device may store user preferences and
implement the call transferring, as further described herein. The
user may interact or send and receive data, information, and
commands through the telephones 122 and 124, wireless device 112
and 114, or the client 126. In particular, a hold and re-ring
command may be entered using the telephones 122 and 124, wireless
device 112 and 114, or the client 126 to simultaneously ring a
number of pre-selected devices to be answered by the user. The MSC
102 and voicemail system 106 may include any number of hardware and
software components. In one embodiment, the MSC 106 is an advanced
intelligence network device with software modules equipped to
perform call transferring features and functions.
[0023] The local exchange 104 and MSC 102 communicate using a
signal control protocol, such as a signaling system number 7 (SS7)
protocol. The SS7 protocol is used in publicly-switched networks
for establishing connections between switches, performing
out-of-band signaling in support of the call-establishment,
billing, routing, and implementing information-exchange functions
of the wired network 118. The local exchange 104 may be owned and
operated by a local exchange carrier that provides standard
telephone service to any number of users. In one embodiment, the
local exchange 104 may be a class 5 switch that is part of the
network systems of the local carrier. The local exchange 104 may
include or may be connected to the voicemail system 106. However,
the local exchange 104 may also be a Digital Subscriber Line Access
Multiplexer (DSLAM), Internet Protocol (IP) gateway, base station,
or any other suitable network access point.
[0024] The local exchange 104 may be a wire-line switch or public
exchange using time domain multiplexing to provide
telecommunications services to a particular subscriber or groups of
subscribers. The local exchange 104 may be located at a local
telephone company's central office, or at a business location
serving as a private branch exchange. The local exchange 104 may
provide dial-tone, calling features, and additional digital and
data services to subscribers, such as home phones 122 and 124. The
local exchange 104 may also enable VoIP communication of the home
telephones 116 and 118 through a data network. VoIP works by
sending voice information in digital form in packets, rather than
in the traditional circuit-committed protocols of the
publicly-switched network
[0025] The communications system 100 may further include any number
of hardware and software elements that may not be shown in the
example of FIG. 1. For example, in order to facilitate VoIP
communications, the communications system and the MSC 102 and local
exchange 104, in particular, may include application servers, media
servers, service brokers, call agents, edge routers, gateways
(signaling, trunking, access, sub, etc.), IP network service
providers, adapters, exchanges, switches, users, and networks. The
voicemail system 108 is similar to the voicemail system 106 except
that it is equipped to handle voicemail for landline customers
rather than wireless customers. The local exchange 104 or other
components of a wire line network, such as a data, PSTN, VoIP, or
other wired network may implement the call transferring features
and perform the methods herein described.
[0026] The MSC 102 and the local exchange 104 may include an
authentication space. The authentication space may be a partition
of the server or other storage designated by the communications
service provider. The authentication space may validate that a user
or device, such as client 126, is allowed to authorize the MSC 102,
local exchange 104, or corresponding voicemail system 106 and 108
to set preferences, implement changes, review information, or
perform other updates. For example, a user may be first required to
provide a secure identifier, such as a user name, password, or
other authentication code or hardware interface, to verify that the
user is authorized to make changes within the authentication
space.
[0027] The authentication information may be used to create a
secure connection between the client 126 and the MSC 102 or the
local exchange 104. The secure connection may be a virtual private
network tunnel, an encrypted connection, firewall, or other form of
secured communications link. The MSC 102 and local exchange 104 may
use any number of gateways, proxies, applications, or interfaces
for allowing the client 126 to communicate with the MSC 102 and
local exchange 104 through the wired network 118. Alternatively,
the client 126 may use a wireless network or other network to
access the MSC 102 and local exchange 104. The MSC 102 and local
exchange 104 may utilize a host client application to communicate
with numerous clients.
[0028] The home 120 is an example of a dwelling or residence of a
person or group that may use any number of communications services.
The home 120 is shown as a residence in the illustrated example;
however, the home 120 may also be an office, business, or other
structure wired or otherwise suitably equipped to provide
telephone, data, and other communication services to one or more
customers. In one embodiment, the home 120 is equipped with
multiple communication devices, including home telephones 122 and
124 and client 126. The home telephones 122 and 124 may be standard
devices that provide dialing and voice conversation capabilities.
Home telephone 122 may be integrated in any number of other devices
or may be used in different forms. For example, the home telephone
122 may be part of a refrigerator. In another embodiment, the home
telephone 124 may be integrated with a personal computer, such as
client 126. The communications services accessible from the home
telephones 122 and 124 may include standard telephone service or
VoIP telephone service. The home telephones 122 and 124 may be VoIP
telephones or may be standard telephones that include a modem
and/or VoIP adapters for enabling VoIP communications.
[0029] The client 126 may be a personal computer for performing and
executing programs and instructions and accessing the wired network
118. However, the client 126 may be any computing devices suitable
for communicating with the wired network 118. The wired network 118
may be a fiber optic, cable, or telephone network or other wired
network suitable for communication over a hard-wired connection
with the client 126. In one embodiment, the home 120 may include a
wireless router, adapter, switch, hub, or other suitable interface
that allows the client 126 to communicate with the wired network
118. The MSC 102 and local exchange 104 may use a graphical user
interface (GUI), such as a website or program accessible from the
client 126 in order to enter and receive input preferences for a
preferred caller list or other preferences applicable to call
transferring.
[0030] In an illustrative embodiment, the user may stipulate
identifiers, such as telephone numbers, session initiation protocol
(SIP) addresses, or IP addresses, for telephones on an access list,
provide user input, or receive a call or communicate using devices,
such as wireless devices 112 and 114, home telephones 122 and 124,
and client 126. At any time, a user may select to enable, order,
initiate, configure, reconfigure or otherwise establish call
transferring and communications parameters as herein described.
[0031] The user may place a phone call on hold and re-ring devices
listed on the access list in a number of ways. For example, the
user may use a command that informs a function trigger of a device
or the device itself, such as the MSC 102, local exchange 104,
voicemail systems 105 and 106, wireless device 112 and 114, home
telephones 122 and 124, or client 126, to ring all of the
applicable devices according to user preferences. In one example,
the user may submit a command to hold the phone call and re-ring
the selected devices by dialing *99 on the home telephone 122. The
command may also be a password, voice activated, time activated,
preset by user selection or any other suitable option, setting,
command, or user input. In one embodiment, the user may have
established multiple access lists for ringing different
configurations of numbers or devices using separate commands.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of a communications
management system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
The communications management system 200 of FIG. 2 includes a
communications management server 202, Internet 204, a remote client
206, a graphical user interface (GUI) 208, a communications network
210, and telephones 212, 214, 216, 218 and 220.
[0033] The communications management server 202 may be a single
component or multiple interconnected devices as shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 2. The communications management server 202 may
include multiple servers, switches, intelligent network devices,
computing devices, components, and corresponding software for
performing the functions of a MSC, wireless access network, VoIP
server, switching network, local exchange, class 5 switch, and/or
wireless public exchange. The communications management server 202
may include an authentication space. The authentication space is a
server or partition of a server designated for access by one or
more users. The communications management system 200 may
communicate with any number of remote clients through the Internet
204.
[0034] The communications management server 202 may perform
configuration and changes for the communications network 210 and
devices in communication with the communications network 210, such
as telephones 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220. For example, the
telephones 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220 may request services,
features, files, or other elements from the communications
management server 202 through the communications network 210. As
described, the user may implement the call transfer feature from
any one of the telephones 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220 and a call
may be placed on hold and a number of the telephones 212, 214, 216,
218, and 220 may be rung with the call in response to a single user
command. As used herein, a person or device that communicates with
a user or receiving party is generically referred to as a calling
party or caller. The communications management server 202 may act
as a gateway, proxy, Centrex, or interface into the communications
systems. In particular, the communications network 210 may transmit
and receive wireless, digital, analog, or other communications
signals to the telephones 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220. The
communications network 210 may use any number of broadcast
transceivers, switches, hubs, routers, communications lines, and
servers in addition to the communications management server 202 to
send and receive communications.
[0035] The telephones 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220 may be any type
of wireless devices including cellular phones, a Blackberry.RTM.,
personal digital assistants (PDA), laptops, evolution data
optimized (EDO) cards, multi-mode devices, VoIP devices, plain old
telephone service (POTS) devices, and other telephonic
communications elements or devices. The communications network 210
may use any number of wireless communication formats including, but
not limited to, code division multiple access (CDMA), global system
for mobile (GSM) communications, time domain multiple access
(TDMA), WiFi, and WMAX. The communications management server 202
specifies how and when the telephones 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220
communicate with other devices and other communications networks,
publicly-switched networks, data networks, such as the Internet,
and other public and private communications networks that interact
with the communications network 210.
[0036] The communications management server 202, the communications
network 210, and the remote client 210 may communicate using a
wired or wireless connection. For example, the remote client 206
may be connected to the communications management server 202 by a
fiber optic connection, T1, cable, DSL, satellite, high-speed
trunk, or wireless connection. The communications management server
202 and the remote client 206 may communicate using any number of
communications protocols. In one embodiment, the communication is a
common channel signaling system 7 (SS7). SS7 refers to the exchange
of information between communications components required to
provide and maintain service. The communications may also be based
on transmission control protocol (TCP) and Internet protocol (IP)
standards.
[0037] The remote client 206 and components of the communications
management server 202 may be an advanced intelligence network (AIN)
device. AIN devices allow the communications management server 202
and remote client 206 to quickly and economically create and modify
telecommunication services provided through the communications
network 210 for the users. For example, the communications
management server 202 may update an access list and user
preferences for transferring calls based on information received
from the remote client 206. The communications management server
202 may be operated by a wireless service provider or other
communications service provider. The communications management
server 202 may send control signals to ring a specified group of
the telephones 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220 in response to receiving
a call transfer command. The control signals may indicate a call is
pending and may pass through any number of wireless and hard wired
network devices, elements, and connections.
[0038] A user may access the graphical user interface 208 in order
to manage the access list, associations, and notification
preferences for one or more of the telephones 212, 214, 216, 218,
and 220. A user may be required to first provide a secure
identifier, such as a user name, password, or other authentication
code or hardware interface that verifies that the user is
authorized to make ringtone changes for the specified telephones
212, 214, 216, 218, and 220. This authentication information may be
used to create a secured or unsecured connection between the remote
client 206 and the communications management server 202. The secure
connection may be a virtual private network tunnel, an encrypted
connection, firewall, or other form of secured communications
link.
[0039] Once connected, the user may use the options, screens, and
modules of the graphical user interface 208 to configure and
customize the access list, create, edit or modify notification
preferences, and perform other tasks allowed within the
authentication space. The authentication space of the server 218 is
configured so that the remote client 206 may make changes only to
telephones 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220 controlled by the
authentication space 224. The remote client 206 may be any
interconnected devices configured to display a graphical user
interface, such as a desktop computer, terminal of a shared
computer system, wirelessly connected cell phone, wirelessly
connected PDA, data connected home telephone devices or a data
connected television set. In one embodiment, the graphical user
interface is a web page interface provided by the communications
management server 202. The telephones 212, 214, 216, 218, and 220
may be alternatively connected to the remote client 206 using an
electronic interface to identify, register, and configure the
wireless device.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows examples of communications devices in
accordance with illustrative embodiments. FIG. 3 includes a
standard telephone 302, a cordless telephone 304, and a wireless
device 305. The standard telephone 302, the cordless telephone 304,
and wireless device 305 may include a transfer button 306. The
standard telephone 302 and cordless telephone 304 are particular
implementations of the standard telephone 122 of FIG. 1. The
wireless device 305 is a particular implementation of the wireless
device 114 of FIG. 1.
[0041] The transfer button 306 may be an interface, switch,
circuit, or software module that allows the user to send a signal
or call transferring command to a class 5 switch, MSC, or other
communications device for activating call transferring or placing a
telephone call on hold. The transfer button 306 may be a graphical
user interface, touch screen, voice command, scroll wheel, a
sequence or simultaneous activation of keys or controls, or other
input device that generates the command signal to implement call
transferring when pressed, selected, or otherwise activated. The
transfer button 306 may implement a feature within the standard
telephone 302, cordless telephone 304, or the wireless device 305.
Alternatively, the transfer button 306 may send a signal to an
externally-connected device, such as a class 5 switch, local
exchange, MSC, or server to activate the call transfer feature.
[0042] The standard telephone 302 and cordless telephone 304 are
telephones that operate in conjunction with a public/switched
network and class 5 switch. In another embodiment, the
communication service accessible from the standard telephone 302
and the cordless telephone 304 may be part of a VoIP telephone
service. The standard telephone 302 and cordless telephone 304 are
provided dial tone through a wired connection to a home, business
or other location in which the standard telephone 302 and cordless
telephone 304 are located. The wireless device 305 may work in
connection with one or more wireless networks.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a communications management
system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The
communications management system 400 may be a particular
implementation of the communications management system 202 of FIG.
2. The communications management system 400 may include various
elements including a user interface 402, function trigger 404,
transfer unit 406 which may include a hold unit 408, access list
410, and notification preferences 412. The communications
management system 400 may provide or receive communications from a
website 414. The communications management system 400 maybe a
server or other computing element. The elements of the
communications management system 400 may be implemented using
hardware elements or in software. In one embodiment, the elements
of the communications management system 400 are software modules,
classes, or instructions.
[0044] The user interface 402 is an interface with the website 414
and/or one or more externally communicating users, applications, or
communications devices or connections. In one embodiment, the user
interface 402 may provide the website 414 for sending and receiving
input from the user. The user interface 402 may receive a transfer
command to implement the call transfer feature herein described.
For example, the user interface 402 may receive a voice command to
"Transfer the call to group 1" which may be a number of telephones
specified by the access list 410.
[0045] The function trigger 404 is a trigger that implements
configuration of the transfer unit 406 or implementation of the
call transfer feature based on input received through the user
interface 402. In on embodiment, the function trigger 404 may
command the transfer unit 406 to activate the transfer unit
406.
[0046] The transfer unit 406 implements the call transfer using the
hold unit 408, access list 410, and the notification preferences
412. The hold unit 408 may place the call on hold or transfer the
call to a circuit or state to be held temporarily. The access list
410 specifies one or more groups of telephones to be rung when the
call transfer command is received from a user. The access list may
include any number of phone groupings each of which may list one or
more identifiers associated with the telephone. Once the call or
voice conversation is answered by the user utilizing one of the
phones listed in the access list 410 a conversation may be
continued as if the transfer between phones never occurred.
[0047] The transfer unit 406 sends control or connection signals
through any number of communications devices indicating the voice
communication is incoming. In response to the user answering one of
the telephones, the ringing of the other telephones is terminated
and the call is connected to the telephone selected by the
user.
[0048] The notification preferences 412 specify user preferences
for transferring the phone call to the phones on the access list
410. In one embodiment, the notification preferences may specify a
delay or time period between the time the hold unit 408 holds the
call and the telephones in the access list 410 are rang by the
transfer unit. The notification preferences 412 may also specify a
number of times that the phones in the access list 410 before the
attempted connection or ringing is terminated and then the phones
are rerang. For example, the notification preferences 412 may
specify that the transfer unit 406 is to only ring the phones three
times before terminating the connection and reattempting to connect
to the telephones to prevent the call from being connected to an
answering or voicemail service of any of the telephones. The number
of rings attempted by the transfer unit 406 may be specified in the
notification preferences 412. The notification preferences 412 may
also specify whether and how the call may be connected to a
voicemail or answering machine in the event the user does not
answer any of the phones.
[0049] In another embodiment, the notification preferences 412 or
access list 410 may specify a sequence in which the phones are
individually called. For example, the transfer unit 406 may first
ring a work telephone for three rings, followed by a home telephone
for four rings, and then finally a wireless phone will ring until
answered by the user or a voicemail service.
[0050] The notification preferences 412 may also specify that a
message is to be sent to one or more recipients in response to
receiving the transfer command. The message may be an email, text
message, voice message, chat message, or other form of
communication. In particular, the message may inform one or more
individuals that may have access to the phones included in the
access list 410 to answer or refrain from answering the phones in
order to provide the user the opportunity to answer the phone and
be connected to the call. The message may also provide information
regarding the caller or person who is receiving the call. This
information may be used by any number of individuals to determine
who should answer the phone and when. The message may include
instructions and background information regarding the call so
another party is not completely unaware of why the caller is
calling.
[0051] The communications management system 400 may include any
number of computing elements that are not explicitly called out
including a processor, memory, bus, transceivers, interfaces, and
other hardware and software components. The processor may be a
computer processor or other processing or communications device or
element used by the communications management system 400 to execute
instructions, modules, logic, or otherwise process data.
[0052] The memory may be a static or dynamic storage medium, such
as static random access memory, flash memory, or dynamic random
access memory. However, the memory may be a hard disk, read-only
memory, or other suitable form or combination of volatile or
nonvolatile memory. The memory may store user preferences, data,
information, applications, and instructions for execution by the
processor to implement the call transfer functions of the wireless
management system.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for establishing an
access list in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The
process of FIG. 5 may be implemented by a communications device,
such as an MSC, local exchange, class 5 switch, or other network
component.
[0054] The process may begin by granting a user access to a
communications management system (step 502). The communications
management system may be accessed using a remote client, graphical
user interface, website, or other interface element. The user may
access the communications management system through any type of
network connection. In one embodiment, the user may be required to
provide a username, password, account number, or other
identification information in order to access the communications
management system. For example, the user may utilize a personal
cellular phone to access the communications management system.
[0055] Next, the communications device receives user input for
configuring an access list (step 504). The user input may specify
which group of phones are to be rung based on a user command to
hold a phone call and re-ring other telephonic devices. The user
input may also specify the command, shortcut key, voice command, or
other information used to implement the transfer feature.
[0056] Next, the communications device receives notification
preferences (step 506). The notification preferences specify how
and when the call transfer feature is initiated and implemented.
The notification preferences may specify a time delay from the time
a command is entered to hold a call until the time a number of
telephones are rung with the same call, such as 30 seconds. The
notification preferences may also specify that each of the
telephones are to ring three times and then the call connection is
momentarily terminated and reattempted so that answering machines
or voicemail applications of the different telephones do not
connect to the call.
[0057] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for transferring calls in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process of FIG. 6
may be implemented by a primary phone 602, communications
management system 604, and a secondary phone 606. The process may
begin with the communications management system 604 receiving a
voice communication (step 608). The voice communication may be
received through a POTS, digital or VoIP service, or wireless
service. The communication management system 604 may be a device
used to implement any one of the aforementioned services.
[0058] The communications management system 604 transfers the voice
communication to the primary phone (step 610). In essence, during
step 610, a call is being connected or completed to the user. The
primary phone 602 rings indicating the voice communication is
incoming (step 612). The user may answer the voice communication
based on the ring which may be a sound, vibration, or other
alert.
[0059] Next, the primary phone 602 receives user input to transfer
the voice communication (step 614). In one embodiment, the user
input may be a key sequence or selection of a specialized
indicator, such as a button or designated portion of a touch
screen. By providing a single sequence or user input, the user may
elect to hold the call and ring multiple devices. The
communications management system 604 then places the voice
communication on hold (step 616). The communications management
system 604 may play a pre-programmed message or content to the user
during the time the call is placed on hold. For example, the user
may be playing music, a news report, or other content.
[0060] The communications management system 604 then sends a signal
to multiple phones based on an access list (step 618). The access
list identifies that a number of phones are to ring indicating the
voice communication is available or incoming. The multiple phones
include the secondary phone 606. The secondary phone rings
indicating the voice communication is incoming (step 620).
[0061] Next, the secondary phone receives a user selection to
connect to the voice communication (step 622). In one embodiment,
the user may answer the phone on which he or she desires to
continue the voice communication. For example, the user may have
transferred the phone call from a home telephone as the primary
phone 602 to a wireless device as the secondary phone 606 in order
to travel to the airport. The communications management system 604
connects the voice communication to the secondary phone (step 624).
The voice communication is connected in response to the user
selection in step 622.
[0062] FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation of a graphical user
interface in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The
graphical user interface 700 may be used to display and manage an
access list and notification preferences associated with a call
transfer feature. In one embodiment, the graphical user interface
700 may be part of a web browsing application with content
populated by a communications service provider, such as website 414
of FIG. 4. The graphical user interface 700 may also be part of an
interactive message, such as an email message, SMS message,
printout, or information otherwise electronically available to the
user. The graphical user interface 700 may include a username 702,
a password 704, a customer code 706, an edit access list indicator
708, a command code 710, notification preferences 712, a category
714, a number 716, and a name 718. The interface elements of the
graphical user interface 700 may be a button, icon, toggle, or
other graphical interface for receiving a selection or user input
from a user.
[0063] In one embodiment, the graphical user interface 700 may be
displayed to the user only if the user has signed up for a call
transfer feature. Alternatively, the graphical user interface 700
may be printed in the form of an access list that may be sent to
the user monthly with other invoice information. The graphical user
interface 700 may also be integrated in an email that is sent to
the user at the end of a billing cycle.
[0064] The user name 702, password 704 and customer code 706 may be
used by a website or authentication system to determine whether a
user may access the graphical user interface 700. The customer code
706 may be the code provided to bill calls and access the account.
In one embodiment, the user name 702 and password 704 may be used
to establish a secure connection between a client device of the
user and the billing system. The secure connection may be a virtual
private network tunnel, an encrypted connection, firewall, or other
form of secured communication link suitable for secure data
exchange. The user name 702 and password 704 may be verified by an
authentication device or module of the communication system.
[0065] The edit access list indicator 708 may allow a user to
select to add more telephones or numbers to the access list. The
user may select from a pre-defined set of numbers that may be
retrieved from caller identification information or the numbers may
be entered by the user. The numbers may be displayed in a drop-down
list or other format. The command code 710 is the code or user
input that implements the call transfer to ring a number of
telephones. The command code 710 may be set by the user or it may
have a default value. In one embodiment, a user may set a number of
command codes for different access lists.
[0066] The notification preferences 712 include the additional user
preferences for implementing the call transfer feature. In one
embodiment, the user may specify a time delay after entering the
command code 710 before the multiple devices ring. In another
embodiment, the user may specify a number of rings before the call
is terminated and a second call is made in order to avoid the call
being transferred to voicemail or connected to an answering
machine.
[0067] The notification preferences 712 may allow a user to send an
email or text message to any number of devices. The email or text
message may provide a warning that a call is going to be
transferred in the event the user needs another person to answer
one of the devices listed on the access list. Additionally, the
email or text message may inform a user that the call is intended
for the user and is not to be answered by any other individuals
that may have access to the phones or shared lines associated with
the phones. The email or text message address or number may be
specified in the notification preferences 712.
[0068] The notification preferences 712 may also allow an
incremental transfer in which each of the phone numbers or devices
listed on the access list is rung a pre-set number of times before
ringing the next device. The notification preferences 712 may allow
a user to specify the order or priority in which the devices are
rung.
[0069] The category 714, number 716, and name 718 provide
information regarding the access list. In particular, the category
714 may allow the user to specify which type of device is called.
The number 716 may be an identifier for calling or connecting to
the device. The number 716 may include a phone number, user name,
chat identification, Internet Protocol address, or other
information for dialing or communicating with a specified device.
The name 718 may allow a user to specify a name, nickname, or other
textual identifier for the number called. The information provided
in the category 714, number 716, and name 718 may allow a user to
customize the access list and more easily recognize which numbers,
phones, individuals may be involved when the command code 710 is
asserted.
[0070] The previous detailed description is of a small number of
embodiments for implementing the invention and is not intended to
be limiting in scope. The following claims set forth a number of
the embodiments of the invention disclosed with greater
particularity.
* * * * *